The Best Explainer Video of 2016: Our Top Picks

2016 was a crazy year, but you made it through! Odds are, you’re already looking forward to January and the chance to start fresh.

But let’s be honest: 2016 wasn’t all bad. In fact, there’s more than enough to celebrate, especially in the world of video marketing!

As we looked back over the year in animation, we realized that this year has seen some of the most beautiful explainer videos produced to date. So, to end the year strong, we put together a list of our 10 favorite explainer videos made this year. They’re beautiful, they’re creative, and they bring a new level of artistry to the marketing game.

Excited yet? Here we go!

What If: Innovation Florida (Oliver Sin)

This video is proof that explainer videos aren’t just for business anymore. Any organization with a story tell can tap into the power of gorgeous visuals and great storytelling. Like the government nonprofit Innovation Florida. In this video, they use beautiful animation to cast a compelling vision for the future of their state.

Postly (Untime Studio)

Sometimes, animation makes you feel things. And this year, Postly gets the award for the most feels. Lifelike characters and elegant motion bring this sweet story to life. Besides, who doesn’t love a sweet little grandma?

Demo Duck: Video for Any Mission (Demo Duck)

We’ve got some great friends in the explainer video space, and the folks at Demo Duck are some of our favorite. One thing we love about them is that they’re not afraid to get a little quirky – like in their new homepage video. They blend an awesome variety of animation styles with a fun and unexpected musical number. Try not to get it stuck in your head!

Wine Country Gift Baskets (VeracityColab)

Speaking of friends in the video marketing world – when it comes to VeracityColab, we’re total fanboys. And this video’s no different. Veracity puts a new spin on customer testimonials. Along with professionally recorded customer stories, Veracity uses animation to create a elegant collage of inspiring scenes. Plus, their use of perspective and focus is unforgettable.

IRIS (ThinkMojo, Inc.)

This is just a great explainer video, plain and simple. Soft colors, whimsical visuals, and crystal clear messaging combine in this video to make the future of investing seem that much brighter.

Panasonic LinkRay (Explainify)

We’re not here to brag, but we had to share this one. Panasonic trusted us to tell a powerful story about their forthcoming LinkRay LED technology, and they love the results! We hope you do, too.

TraQtion (Zublime)

There’s no law written in stone that says B2B videos have to be boring. In fact, we think they shouldn’t be! Apparently, the folks at TraQtion agree. With a script that features words like “super done” and “eeks” – and a character who does ninja moves – this is one B2B video that isn’t buttoned up.

Quadro (ILLO)

We love minimal design, and this explainer video from Quadro definitely qualifies. There’s never more than a graphic or two on screen at any given time, and they don’t even use full hands to show people typing on keyboards – just fingers. And it totally works!

PrescribeWellness (The Furrow)

The greatest thing about animation is its power to delight. The Furrow gets that. They made a series of short explainer videos for PrescribeWellness, and delight doesn’t even begin to describe them. With characters you can’t help but connect with, transitions that will blow your mind, and a subtle narrative running through the video, this one’s easily one of the year’s best.

Slack: Work, SImplified (Giant Ant)

Maybe it’s not surprising that an explainer video for Slack grabbed our number one slot this year. After all, they’ve released incredible video on top of incredible video – from computer-generated animals in business casual to conceptual motion graphics. Well, this video from Giant Ant deserves a spot among the best of them.